In the Know by Anne Atchison

Members Using Tech in a Changed World

SUMMER 2021

The TECHNOLOGY Issue

In the

KNOW

A Quarterly Publication for Member Investors of the Sullivan County Partnership For Economic Development

USING TECHNOLOGY IN A CHANGED WORLD PLUS:

Attracting More High Tech Development Harmonizing Work — The Tech/Life Balance

FROM THE CEO

Are we on the verge of the next technological shift? Has technology changed us, or are we changing the way we approach technology? How will it impact economic development? These questions and others are at the heart of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the role technology plays in our personal and professional lives as well as its effect on the economic development landscape.

Marc Baez Chief Executive Officer

Remember when AOL (1985), Netscape (1994), and Blackberry (1999) were among

the technology products that dominated the landscape along with desktop towers that took up residence at the office? They all added new ways for us to communicate with family and friends and improved our efficiency at work. In a span of almost 40 years— through a handful of recessions, 9-11, the financial crisis of 2008, recent political and social upheavals, and now the pandemic— technology evolved and in many cases made for permanent changes in how we conduct business. Add to that public policy changes like Dodd-Frank, the Affordable Care Act and ever-changing tax laws, and we have an environment ripe for technological solutions to societal challenges. Driven by these and other influences, the tools we now use to conduct business have changed dramatically and are undergoing another technological shift. Today, though we call it a “cell” or mobile phone, make no mistake— our handheld devices effectively carry the continued...

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Are We on the Verge of the Next Technological Shift? power of a computer. And it hasn’t stopped there.

of goods and services to distant places more readily,

Our vehicles are equipped to quickly and accurately

have added to the changing landscape of consumer

navigate us to where we want to go, play the music

purchasing habits.

or news we want to hear, create the optimum cabin atmosphere, and even help us parallel park. Social media helps get our message out faster, more frequently and for less money than ever. Drones are

Data is not yet fully aggregated and

now commonplace and are used to highlight sites,

analyzed, but anecdotal evidence

conduct topography, sell real estate, and locate and

reveals that people are re-evaluating

rescue disaster survivors. When the pandemic hit, we adjusted to remote

what is important in their lives—leaving city centers and planting roots here to

communications technologies to work, learn, play, and

enjoy the outdoors and live where they

monitor our health. Video conferencing apps including

can now work. Technology has opened

Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others became indispensable tools to conduct business. Now “the office” has

the door for this to be possible.

new meaning as significant numbers of us continue to “Work From Home” using these platforms. We turned to e-commerce to shop online rather than risk

This of course puts pressure on our infrastructure

COVID-19 exposure. Schools, (colleges especially, long

capabilities— predominantly broadband— yet it

familiar with distance learning) suddenly had to adapt

creates tremendous opportunity to attract new

to remote and distance learning situations. Grocery

investment, job opportunities, and business prospects

stores saw huge increases in their shopping/delivery

for our members. Yes, there is a dramatic shift

apps. Health care providers turned to tele-medicine

taking place with the next leap in technological

visits. Gyms and weight loss programs shifted to online

advancements at our doorstep and yes, it is impacting

meetings and upped their content game through

economic development today and will for the

live and recorded training sessions. Non-profits

foreseeable future.

held virtual fundraisers and online auctions. Use of streaming entertainment services on phones, tablets

Follow along with us in this issue of In the Know. We’ll

and smart TVs hit new highs.

explore how you can use technology to optimize your

It’s not new technology, but certainly the pandemic

Cappello of Jacobowitz & Gubits who says “Yes,” we can

has served as a catalyst for change and with it comes

attract high tech development. Matt Dorcas President

tremendous opportunities for economic development

at Capacity Marketing shares how your business

in rural areas like Sullivan County.

can ride the digital revolution. And our feature story

Real estate in our Sullivan Catskills and surrounding areas remains hot as sales continue to outpace

career and personal wellbeing. You’ll hear from John

uncovers how our members are using technology in surprising new ways.

available inventory. The Partnership has attracted a tech company, and e-commerce firms are expressing interest in locating here— none of which would have been considered prior to the pandemic. The evolving technological advancements that allow for the delivery

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MEMBERS USING TECH IN A CHANGED WORLD REAL ESTATE

Most Realtors© would agree that, even before COVID, technology became so important and had such an impact on their industry, that when the pandemic hit in March of 2020, even though they were literally locked down; not allowed to show anything in person, they were still able to sell houses – and people were buying! “Because of Zoom meetings, face-time and video tours, we were closing on properties and we’d never even met the sellers or the buyers” says Carol Malek of Malek Properties in White Lake, NY. Virtual closings, digital signatures and e-signing are now commonplace in the industry.

“I have not been to an in-person closing since March 2020” says Malek. “We’ve done video walk-throughs, or we let buyers do a walk-through with us on the phone.”

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

Aerial shot of Kauneonga Lake waterfont property

Even now, when people can’t

“It’s pretty impossible to walk 200

physically get to a house and they

acres so we use the drones for the

know sellers are getting multiple

bigger properties,” says Malek. “If

offers, buyers are making offers

you have a special property with

based on video tours and then

beautiful views but you can’t see it

come up for the inspection.

through the trees, the drone shows you what you’ll be able to see from

Phone apps are also invaluable

a two-story house. You can also see

for a real estate professional.

the roof of a house, and if it needs

Malek says that a hunting app

work. Some home inspectors use

called onX Hunt has changed her life. “When you’re dealing with land, even owners sometimes don’t know

Drones have become an extremely useful marketing tool in the real estate industry. Malek owns 2 and has a licensed pilot who is exclusive to her company.

what they own as far as property

drones instead of going up on the roof, especially on a Victorian house that has many peaks and roof lines.”

lines. I have been selling real estate

There are 3D virtual space platforms

for almost 25 years and I can attest

available to help brokers transform

that it’s very hard to define property

real life spaces into a digital model,

lines, especially with a large tract of

but Malek prefers walk-through

land. These hunting apps that work

tours. “I walk through with my video

through satellite/GPS map out for

camera and upload it to YouTube,

you as you’re walking, exactly where

which I find to be user friendly. This

the lines are, sometimes within 10

way, you’re an actual person, walking

feet. The satellite image is very very

through the home just like a buyer

clear. With this app I never put my

would do.”

sign on the wrong property anymore.” continued...

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

ENGINEERING & DESIGN

Delaware Engineering (DE) is a full-service engineering and design firm that specializes in municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. The firm, which operates a branch in Monticello, has been working with several Sullivan County clients on major infrastructure upgrade projects. For the Town of Fallsburg, DE used Infraworks© to create a 3D computerized model of the South Fallsburg sewer plant to help local officials understand the scope of the project and the placement of new facilities and equipment. InfraWorks© is cutting-edge software that helps engineers visualize infrastructure design concepts within the context of the built and natural environment—improving decision making and accelerating project approvals. Upgrades to the South Fallsburg plant are still in the preliminary design stage, but

utilizing this innovative technology will be a powerful tool throughout the design process — from concept to construction.

The Town of Blooming Grove hired Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists & Land Surveyors, D.P.C. for engineering services in connection with their May’s Field Dam removal project. Tectonic deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone to capture a flight video as an alternative to a traditional pre-bid site walk. This was done to maintain social distancing during the bid process and provided a safe environment for the town’s consultants to inform bidders on the details of

Delaware Engineering Infraworks© 8

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development In the Know

Summer 2021

Members Using Tech in a Changed World The Traffic Engineering Group at Creighton Manning uses traffic simulation programs like Synchro to model traffic operations at

Creighton Manning Engineering

intersections and corridors. They

uses technology every day to

also used StreetLight data during

provide civil engineering and

the Pandemic, a technology that

surveys. Their surveyors use GPS,

uses smartphones as sensors to

Electronic Data Collectors, Digital

measure vehicle, transit, bike,

and Auto Levels, Total Stations,

and foot traffic virtually. The

and 3D Laser Scanners for field data collection. Recently, Creighton Manning used laser scanning

software confirms traffic counts, origin-destination data, and other transportation metrics.

in a railroad tunnel to map the interior walls for modifications

Their Bridge and Highway Design

necessary to accommodate trains after adjustments were made to the track alignment. They also used GPS in conjunction with depth finders

Engineers use computer-aided design and drafting software called MicroStation to build three-dimensional models and

in a boat to provide topographic mapping of underwater features in a water body for a dredging project.

drawings of roads and bridges. These models can be used to evaluate alternatives, minimize the environmental impact of a project,

The Olympic Regional Development

and facilitate construction through

Authority (ORDA) asked Creighton

machine-control technology which

Manning to confirm the volume of

uses the digital terrain model (DTM)

the project’s existing conditions.

the man-made reservoir that they

This UAV video provided the bidders

designed. They used survey scanning

a sense of the route, current site

equipment to confirm a capacity of

configuration, available future

over 4 million gallons. The primary

staging areas, and a view of the

use of the reservoir is for snow making

river and dam. For the dam, this

for the Mount Van Hoevenburg nordic

included a 360-degree view of the

ski trails in Lake Placid.

developed during design.

continued...

structure’s surroundings, as well as upstream and downstream limits of work proposed within the river. The footage captured views and conditions that could be seen on foot, including close ups of the dam face and shoreline at the water‘s edge. Feedback from the bidders was so positive that Tectonic is considering using drones for future post pandemic projects.

May’s Field Dam

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

BANKING According to Harkin “you don’t even need to carry your debit

“Financial literacy is an

card if you have it pre-loaded Technology has changed how we bank allowing us to support a local institution and still access our money from anywhere— anytime. Ulster Savings Bank, now celebrating its 170th anniversary is the oldest bank in the Hudson Valley, and like any business, they have had to adapt to changing times with the help of technology. “Especially during COVID, when banking lobbies were closed except by appointment, customers migrated to online banking.” says Constance Harkin, VP/Marketing at Ulster Savings Bank. “No longer did they need to stand in line at the bank to deposit a check. Through online banking

important component

into your mobile wallet on your

of financial wellness.

mobile device. Just point your

Technology allows banks

mobile device at any terminal

to offer on-line education

that accepts Google/Apple Pay

on subjects from home

and enjoy the convenience of

buying to savings that can

contactless transactions.” If you’re out to dinner with friends and have no cash, you can use

be viewed on a desktop or a phone-wherever you are.”

Zelle®, a fast, safe and easy way

— Constance Harkin

to send money directly between

VP/Marketing

almost any bank accounts in the

Ulster Savings Bank

U.S., typically within minutes. With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can

schedule and pay bills without

send money to people you trust,

the stamp; turn on/off your debit

regardless of where they bank.

card; set up alerts to monitor your

You can check account balances;

accounts; send secure emails; set

transfer funds between accounts

financial goals; apply for a loan

or financial institutions; receive,

and more.

and our mobile app (both free), customers can easily deposit a check by taking its picture. Regular recurring deposits like paychecks can also be set up as a direct deposit from your employer directly into your account.” Businesses can also take advantage of this time saving innovation right at their office with remote deposit capture services. Need to find a surcharge free ATM? No problem, just search locations on your mobile app or on the website.

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

Mobile Classroom

EDUCATION Innovative Solution Connects Kids to Online Classrooms Dr. Robert Dufour

BOCES will offer continued access to

of BOCES notes that

schools and community Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Rolling V Bus Corp., Sullivan 180, and Sullivan BOCES partnered to create a classroom on wheels. They renovated a school bus and equipped it with internet service for students without online access. This innovative mobile classroom enables students to learn remotely while being socially distanced. The vision for this project stretches beyond the pandemic. Rolling V and

“Any Sullivan County

organizations like Sullivan 180,

school district can

the Center for Workforce Development, Cornell Cooperative

reserve the bus through our communications

Extension, Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) Coalition, and

department and we

Sullivan Renaissance. Other options include mobile offices, job fairs,

will deliver it to the site. The bus operates

education tours, showcasing of

off of hotspots or it

community programs and other

can be tapped into the

projects that benefit to the community. To learn more, contact

building’s high-speed

Sullivan BOCES at (845) 295-4043 or

internet connection.”

email communications@scboces.org. continued...

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

MEDICAL Health organizations around the country are providing virtual appointments and expanding their telehealth options, particularly in light of the COVID pandemic. Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy. More and more health care providers are offering to “see” patients by computer and smartphone. With telemedicine, you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or clinic, park, walk or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your own bed or sofa. Virtual visits can be easier to fit into your busy schedule.

“In terms of the future—we’re now mastering a platform for how to technologically provide these services and now we’re setting up other specialties/cardiologists and gastroenterologists, to begin using the platform that the psychiatrists are using in anticipation of those specialties being able to provide similar patient experiences.” — Jonathan Schiller, Garnet Catskills CEO

there are certified stroke care neurologists that log in virtually through At Garnet Health Medical Center-Catskills, (formerly Catskill Regional Medical Center) they’ve implemented 3 telehealth programs since 2020 and are a licensed telehealth provider in New York State. Tele-Stroke technology program is a collaboration with Westchester Medical’s stroke team. If a patient presents to the emergency department with a stroke,

tele-technology. Through audio and video, the stroke neurologist is able to collaborate with the attending physician, the ED, and the nursing team to perform a complete symptom assessment within 15 minutes of a patient’s arrival. “We’ve considerably reduced the time it takes to get that patient in front of a specialist.” says Garnet Catskills CEO Jonathan Schiller. “In addition, if the

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Summer 2021

Members Using Tech in a Changed World patient may be a candidate for

Catskills outpatient mental

a clot retrieval, that same team

health clinic in Harris, the

would perform the procedure.”

patient population typically

Tele-Neurology is also new. This is for in-patients who aren’t experiencing a stroke, but require the care and

has a high no-show rate for appointments, so this has enabled them to significantly reduce the no-show rate as well as patients’ compliance

oversight of a neurologist. This could be for patients with seizure disorders, advanced Parkinson’s disorders, ALS and all neurological disorders. This third party service, Specialists On Call, features board certified neurologists

with medications. This allows the psychiatrist, right here at the hospital’s outpatient clinic, to “visit” with all of his/her patients virtually. Appointment compliance is typically in the 90% range.

who can “see” patients in the

There are many times when

hospital. They do consults and

a primary care physician

help direct care for specialty

will identify a patient who

neurology service.

has clinical depression or

“We would never be able to afford having five neurologists on staff to cover 24/7 because there’s just not that many consults, but having this service available to us, and within 30 minutes of a consult request…

anxiety that doesn’t require hospitalization but needs a specialist to help them manage medications. This will allow them to refer their patients right there to the tele-mental health service.

that’s pretty quick, and they are

Last month, they rolled out

excellent.” Says Schiller.

the Garnet Health app which

Garnet Catskills applied for and received a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Government (HRSA) to purchase and run their own tele-program for psychiatry called Tele-Mental Health. This allows the

was developed in-house and lets patients schedule appointments with their doctors. “Within our IT team, we hired one web developer, and 2 app developers, and they worked hand in hand with our marketing team so that the

hospital, on overnights

scheduling and pre-registration

and weekends, to have a psychiatrist see a patient in the ED immediately. At Garnet

components on the app mirror the look and feel of what’s on our website.” notes Schiller. continued...

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

UTILITIES & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Area utility companies including Orange and Rockland are installing smart meter technology to provide detailed energy usage so customers can make informed choices about how and when they use energy in their home or business. The smart meter is a digital meter that communicates between residences/ businesses and Orange & Rockland through a secure wireless network. These new smart meters are an essential building block to creating a smart grid in O&R’s territory—and to help the state achieve its energy goals: •

By modernizing the grid, O&R will

know right away when problems arise, so they can get to work on restoring power even faster. •

Smart meters will give customers

access to near real-time usage so they can conserve and save money; with more options like high-bill alerts and customized energy-saving information. •

Smart meters also allow utilities to

read meters remotely. That means no more waiting for a meter reader, and far fewer estimated bills. It also means fewer trucks on the road, reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. •

Smart meters also help utilities

manage renewable resources like solar more efficiently. 14

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

It is a misconception that in

on one farm, so if 300-400

order to participate in Solar

homes subscribe, they receive

savings, you have to have

the benefits from that one farm.

panels installed on your home.

There are about 9,000 panels per

Delaware River Solar farms

solar farm that generate energy

generate solar power that is

and it goes into the generated

offloaded back to the utility

panel box that gets uploaded

grid. For example, if the solar

back to the NYSEG/O&R utility

farm is built in an O&R or NYSEG

grid. Delaware River Solar works

territory, those utilities reap

in tandem with each utility

the benefits of that offloaded

they service; including Central

power back to the grid. DRS solar

Hudson, O&R, NYSEG, RGE and

farms house up to 400 homes

National Grid.

Project Allocation %

Project Produces 303 kwh

UTILITY 303 kwh Credits Applied

303 kwh Billed @ 5% Discount

SOFTWARE SERVICES

Partnership board member Kelsey Hornicek is a Senior Grants Manager with Civix – a public sector software and services firm with clients and offices across North America. She works with states in the long-term recovery phase of natural disasters, helping administer programs aimed at making communities whole. The secret to her team’s success is

applying technology to traditionally

paired with subject matter expertise

service-oriented efforts, allowing

can create controls and workflows

it to streamline and automate

that paper-based processes simply

processes that typically bog down

cannot keep up with. Hornicek

state and local governments. Civix,

has seen software turn months

which started as a planning firm

of recovery work into days –

in 1979, found that pairing their

eliminating gaps in processes and

services with software worked as a

errors in documentation, which

force multiplier. What began as a

means funds get distributed faster

way to differentiate themselves in

and people get back into their

the market has had a major impact

homes. Her goal, and the goal

on clients. When the immediate

of everyone at Civix, is to make

response to a disaster is hectic and

the greatest impact – innovative

resources are maxed, technology

technology makes that possible.

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

AUTOMOTIVE

Pre COVID, Eric Alleva of Seven X Motors was on the road four days a week going to new car dealers and auctions to buy trade-ins and

probably already had the cleanest

were sitting home with nothing to

cars on the market.”

do and said, ‘hey let’s take a road

He started expanding his territory; selling cars to people in Philadelphia, Vermont, Buffalo, Rochester, Massachusetts. Seven X was

hours.” Alleva adds. He saw yet another opportunity when New York,

“All the auctions were closed. All the

New Jersey and Pennsylvania DMVs

dealerships were closed. Auction

were shut down and people couldn’t

bidding went exclusively online. You

couldn’t see the car, couldn’t touch

completely blind.” says Alleva. “But I realized quickly, this presented a phenomenal opportunity to sell cars exclusively online.” Alleva immediately tripled his advertising budget on Facebook and Instagram, promoting contactless delivery. “Everything that the CDC was telling us what to do as far as sanitizing and disinfecting the cars, we were doing that anyway. We

300-400 applications each month

sitting in the dealership for three

everything screeched to a halt.

so you basically had to bid on them

to begin with.’ “We were getting

for us, because now there was no

PA and NJ. Then in March 2020 —

didn’t know anything about them

we never thought that we could get

for cars. It made things a lot easier

used cars throughout upstate NY,

the car, couldn’t drive the car. You

trip and let’s go buy this car that

“Because we knew that we weren’t going to get any more people through the door, I borrowed Carvana’s model— buy a car over the Internet. We were up over 18 percent in sales for 2020.” — Eric and Faith Alleva Co-Owners of Seven X Motors

the paperwork and got bonded and we’re now a registered PA and NYS DMV and can do all of that in-house, something Alleva says he never would have thought of before the Pandemic. Seven-X also became an e-document signing dealership for

reaching customers within a 400

all contracts which has streamlined

mile radius that they never dreamed

the car buying process. A customer

of selling to. “Not only were we

can go on the website, fill out an

reaching them, but they were

application, get approved and pick

coming to us to pick up their cars. It

up their car all with never having to

was like a novelty for people. They

step foot in the dealership.

IT & CYBER SECURITY

Along with all of this great

shutdowns of the pipeline and meat

place. You don’t hear about the small

technology comes some risk, but

industry. We notice it when the really

real estate business that gets hit

there IS tech out there to combat

big companies get hit, but small

because it’s not affecting millions

cyber-security risks. We’ve all

companies and small businesses

of people. But there are layers of

seen the news recently with the

are actually much more vulnerable,

protection that small companies

cyber-hackings and subsequent

because they have less security in

can put into place that aren’t cost

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Summer 2021

Members Using Tech in a Changed World prohibitive, especially when you

going to be alright. But for those ten

“The technical components aside,

weigh it against what it would cost to

percent, if they haven’t protected

you have to have the mindset that

have your entire business encrypted,

their company or put measures in

it’s important.” adds Monique Duci,

have all of your info stolen or get

place to recover, they could be out of

Meeting Tree’s Business Development

sued because somebody breeched

business in a heartbeat.”

specialist, “Don’t be the person that

your secure information.

“You have to make sure that you do your updates regularly, have good workstation protection; a second

“A huge part of our job is to protect

layer of protection that looks for a

companies, so they’re not exposed

different kind of threat or one that

to as much risk,” says Ed Shanker,

has SOC (security operations center)

CEO of Meeting Tree Computer, an

associated with it.” adds Shanker.

IT company out of Salisbury Mills,

“That tends to cost a little more but

NY. “If there’s a ten percent chance

that’s because there are people

something terrible will happen to you

actually standing by and watching

that’s going to shut you down, that

what happens. Getting a firewall is

means that if you don’t do anything,

really important and most people

ninety percent of the people are

don’t have one that’s acceptable.”

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

says, ‘It’s not going to happen to me.’ We can set training in place, we can send videos and newsletters out, tech tips etc. everything to make people aware, but you must be of one mindset to make it an important issue at your business. You can’t defend against the person who clicks on the wrong stuff, but you can try to train them and that’s a big part of what we do – training.”

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Reshape Through Disruptive Technologies

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Cyber Security/SOC Solutions and Services

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UTC Associates offers integrated portfolio of technology services to enable clients to navigate their digital transformation strategy with Cyber Security @ core 18

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Harmonizing Work:

Using Technology for Optimizing your Career and Personal Well-Being by Aziz Ahmad CEO, UTC Associates We are all so tired of COVID and its numbing weight and impact across our work, family and personal lives. The essential work of governance and public service has been severely stretched, particularly in hard hit states like New York. Physical exhaustion, resource exhaustion, and even moral exhaustion – the fatigue of having to make life and death decisions on behalf of those we love, and are responsible for, have taken their toll.

continued...

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Harmonizing Work

The migration to meetings via Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Team, Facebook Messenger, etc. have helped to maintain continuity in exchanging information, building relationships and negotiating deals.

And yet, as COVID gradually transforms into a more

• The evolution of Drone-based delivery capacity

endemic versus existential threat, its strain is likely

has enabled entirely new possibilities for the delivery

to impact our communities, families and individuals

of emergency medications, vital food supplies – far

for many years to come. Our leadership, physical and

from the original purpose of using drones for military

mental health are required now more than ever.

applications.

How has technology played a role in our transition to this less social, more isolated life?

• News Apps and other media have helped to

In many surprising, even blessed ways, technology has

• The technology of PPE – masks, gloves, testing,

saved the day. This has certainly been true in the face of humanity’s worst pandemic since the 1918 Spanish Flu. Technology has also begun to prepare us for whatever is likely to follow: • Delivery applications and services have enabled safer food delivery, and have created a new class of jobs.

remind us of the precautions we need to take in order to protect ourselves.

contact-tracing, and most recently, amazing vaccines, have helped us begin to corral COVID.

The Downsides to Technology For all the good that technology can bring us, there can also be damaging downsides: • The relentless adoption of automation continues to disrupt our comfortable (perhaps less efficient) work-flow habits.

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Harmonizing Work • Automation is impacting the nature of work: the

• On a socio-psycho-health basis, the statistics

more machines assume repetitive tasks, the more

reinforce the negative impact that extensive use of

conventional jobs will disappear.

digital media - television, gaming, social media and

• The fewer traditional jobs we have, the harder it will be for people to find suitable work unless they are able to adapt. • This will directly impact the ‘structure of meaning.’

telephony – is having on our aggregate mental health.

Today, Forward As we begin to look towards the next stage of human life post this horrific 18-month long pandemic, there

Such structures are typically associated with a

are rich lessons to be learned:

fulfilling and/or meaningful job plus a relationship to

• Whether at work or home, we have to optimize

an associated community.

not only our use of technologies, but also our

• The more our supply chain depends on robotics

quality-of-life boundaries.

and distant sourcing the more at risk we are from

• As with business, personal life must also be scheduled

disruptions to this supply chain (witness the container ship stuck in the Suez Canal in March.)

and protected regardless of external pressures. • The diligent monitoring and protection of our own health, and the mental wellness of our families and

Technology is neither good nor evil: It depends on how you ‘harmonize’ with it At least for now, there is no ‘evil’ technology. All technologies are deployed as their creators see fit. For the most part, over the centuries, nearly all technology has helped to steadily increase the quality of lives for mankind. The global Internet has created far greater access to jobs and the greater digital economy. Fivrr,

employees, must immediately be recognized as equally important as other more conventional bio-physical aspects of an individual’s health. • We have to look to technology as our friend, here to help us become more effective, increase our productivity, and improve our quality of life. • We have to share the technologies that promote this increased efficiency and autonomy, and make available these upskilling opportunities for all employees and, ultimately, for our constituents.

Freelancer, Uber and AirBnB are all examples of

• We have to prepare for tomorrow, for the ‘Future

platforms that have helped hard-working people

of Work’; developing actionable tasks, programs,

pivot into, and harmonize with, technology to

curriculum and campaigns to ensure that our current

create independent income sources.

and future generations are ready for the mounting disruption of automation upon their careers, profes-

My own Coders Trust, a Bangladesh-based

sional development and the future of the traditional

blended ‘learn and earn’ platform, was

way of working.

developed to give the previously disenfranchised the opportunity to learn skills that are in demand globally. We have created revenue, economic freedom and a sense of purpose for tens of thousands of young people that would previously have been relegated to working in ultra-low paying jobs in agriculture or factories.

• Finally, remember that working from home leaves you more exposed to cyber-hacking and other potential risks to your productivity – or worse; COVID has taught state and government employees across the country that caution must be increased wherever you work. continued...

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Harmonizing Work

Where are we going?

to become increasingly precious, and the quest for

Technology is nearly always developed to solve a

personal meaning, purpose, quality, contributions and

problem. In disrupting the status quo, new challenges

community becomes increasingly representative of

are typically created that must be understood and,

how we define our existence.

ideally, anticipated. We have to anticipate where technology is going as it gets ‘smarter.’ For example, we have to develop frameworks to utilize AI to its fullest potential for the betterment of humanity and social good, with skill-readiness, governance, compliance metrics, global adoption and equitable

In the end, we have to protect ourselves, our bodies, our souls, those we love, and perhaps most importantly, our purpose. Technology can help all of us do this if we know who we are, what we want and how to do it in harmony with (and for) others.

distribution as key considerations. We have to consider the impacts on all who will be impacted and establish guidelines for the advent of even more disruptive technologies, so that they can be harnessed and developed for all rather than for the few! Finally, it is invaluable for all of us to remember the phrase “High Tech, High Touch” as popularized in John Naisbitt’s 1982 MEGATRENDS book, with “High Touch” being our ‘Humanness.’ This thinking is particularly sage as we look to a near future when technology seems bound to becoming its own ‘species,’ jobs likely

Kitchens

Baths

About the author: Aziz Ahmad is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, IT architect and philanthropist dedicated to the application of technology for increasing efficiencies, democratizing educational access – and the betterment of humanity. He speaks internationally, with recently presentations including Davos WEF, the European Parliament on AI’s impact on Europe’s future, and at the Vatican as the guest of Pope Francis where he spoke on the future of work.

Closets

Over 125 years of design experience! O: (845) 615-9410

2713 Route 17M

www.HVKDC.com

New Hampton, NY 10958

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SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY RIGHT HERE IN SULLIVAN COUNTY! Improve the world, and save up to 5% on your energy costs!

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Why It’s Time to Invest in Client Accounting and Advisory Services by Jonathan Rouis, CPA In the ever-evolving world of business, we can

custom CAAS “tech

often measure our success by our adaptability and

stack” include Practice

willingness to explore innovations and technology. The

Ignition, Karbon, and

traditional work-to-cash cycle goes something like this:

Zapier. Additionally,

the bills wait until the end of the month to get taken

Transaction Pro, Knowify,

care of, the manual process results in a lot of waiting,

and XtraCHEF can be

and a poor customer experience. If you’ve experienced

used to transform

team frustration, lost money, dissatisfied customers, or

multiple files into simple, consolidated reports.

lost time, your process needs some major overhauling. Utilizing outsourced Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) is the future of work-to cash cycles. It involves auto-drafted, optimized invoices, collections go on “smart autopilot,” and then there is an easy, instantaneous, one-click payment process. What does this mean for your company? It means more satisfied customers, saved time, more fulfilled staff, predictive insight, and a better cash flow. Consider the following survey results from CPA firms that have successfully implemented CAAS offerings: -

9 in 10 firms offering CAAS say it’s “important

to the firm’s future.”

9 in 10 cite improvements in “client satisfaction.”

8 in 10 firms report CAAS “provides superior

revenue growth.”

8 in 10 are “attracting new clients” with CAAS.

8 in 10 confirm CAAS “creates new opportunities.”

6 in 10 say CAAS delivers above-par profit margins.

Typically, to implement CAAS into your daily operations you’ll need to develop a tech (or app) stack. This is a collection of add-on applications that are designed to satisfy specific functions within a business or firm that are not otherwise handled by the core accounting platform. This stack of applications may then provide automation and efficiency. Some top apps companies are taking advantage of when they build out their own

Jonathan Rouis, CPA Partner RBT CPAs, LLP 51 Sullivan Street Wurtsboro, NY 12790 845-888-5656

The future of productivity is automation. Transforming repetitive, time-consuming tasks into deep intelligence work (AI work) means your team will be able to work more accurately, gain productivity, boost compliance, cut costs, and gain an edge on your competitors who are wary to adopt and implement change. Some examples of time sucks that you can eliminate to refocus resources and increase your team’s overall efficiency include: •

Eliminating overly repetitive tasks that employees

carry out between 50-60 times a day

•

Periodic reporting, data entry and data analysis

•

Mass email generation, archiving, extracting

•

Conversion of data formats and graphics

•

Process lists and file storage

•

ERP transactions

So what are you waiting for? You can improve your workflow today by leveraging technology and cultivating growth in previously marginal systems. Change can be intimidating or undesirable. But, avoiding change is one of the biggest pitfalls for companies, where upper management resists changing or improving an internal system. Ultimately, it is your job to take the information you have and show your team the benefits of CAAS to better serve customers and improve the culture of your organization. Sources: source: RSM, CPA Trendlines

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Members Using Tech in a Changed World

Hello Thursday!

This year the Partnership kicked-off its

Networking season with four events all selling out within a week of announcement.

Guest Sp

eaker: Je

omen In ello at W ssica Rov

On April 29 the Partnership welcomed its members at Solaia Restaurant for their Spring Quarterly Meeting sponsored by The Pike Company. Randy Resnick welcomed the 50 guests and Marc Baez, Partnership President and CEO, provided project updates on all things happening in Sullivan County and insight as to what this year has in store.

a ovello, V Jessica R

nessa Oli

vo, Marc

Taylor Th omas, LA N Associa & Mike C tes, Josh adwell, B Strang oyce Exc avating

Baez

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Summer 2021

Business

Event

Members Using Tech in a Changed World On May 13 the Partnership filled the back patio at Cellio Steakhouse at Resorts World Catskills with 50 influential business-women at the Partnership’s first ever Women In Business networking event. The evening began with a fiery and enthusiastic address by NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and was followed by an inspirational story of perseverance and grit by a pioneer in the gaming tech sector, Jessica Rovello. The food at Cellaio was perfection and was matched by the service and attention to detail. We will be back! Thank you to our event sponsor Lesley McConnell of TRRAC.

Board M

embers:

Kelsey H o

rnicek, C

harlotte

VanHorn ,

Karen F is

her

“It’s taken me 20 years of developing as a leader to recognize that loud inner voice, that instinct, is what separates me and many many other women leaders. I think It’s our really ornate superpower. And in a business world that thankfully is getting much more equitable, but women can still be condescended to or Staffing re’s Help any e H , ti n & Britt ie Bonfa & Stefan Computer, Laura apiano rl e a re P T y eeting w: Cath e Duci, M Back Ro Moniqu : O w R o P R V t R Fron of SE , Owners Johnson

spoken over and discounted, I think that listening to and acting upon our instincts can really be used to level the playing field.” — Jessica Rovello

ther, Aileen Gun blywoman m se As , on ls eserve Scott Samue e Eldred Pr Owner of Th Dan Silna,

April Re snick, Ro berta By Debi Lev ron-Lock ine, Cha wood, irman Ra ndy Res nick

On June 24, we were pleased to showcase the newest “Nest” in the Catskills, The Eldred Preserve/ The Old Homestead Restaurant and the Bradstan Boutique Hotel. 110 lucky guests sampled the amazing food from Chef John Botti, enjoyed signature drinks courtesy of our event sponsors, and toured the resort property , farm to table steakhouse and luxury accommodations.

The Eldre

d Preserv

a ce Event Sp

Chief Operating Officer Scott Samuelson talked about the completion of the project and introduced the owner, Dan Silna, who welcomed us all to their beautiful property set on 600 acres of forest in Eldred, NY.

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Sullivan County Partnership Grows GOLD INVESTOR Since 1994, Crown Castle has

At Alston Construction

worked around the country

they know that what you’re

to build and maintain the

constructing is so much

infrastructure behind the world’s most revolutionary

more than a building. For more than 35 years, Alston

technologies. This comprehensive portfolio of 40,000

has been a true partner, an honest advisor as well as a

towers and approximately 80,000 route miles of fiber

responsible contractor for their clients. Alston Construc-

supports small cells and fiber solutions—giving people

tion offers a diverse background of general contracting,

and communities access to essential data, technology

construction management and design-build experience

and wireless service that opens the door to countless

of industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail,

opportunities and possibilities. CrownCastle.com • 845-458-7211

and government projects. They take pride in the success that their buildings help their owners achieve. Alstonco.com • 201-776-6914

EXECUTIVE INVESTOR Beer World is YOUR world of

Founded by Rick Hewitt, an

beer. With over 32 beers on tap,

active law enforcement in the

visit the perfect alcohol store

Orange County NY area, and a

near you. Buy the best craft beer

NYS licensed Private Investigator.

in New York at amazing prices

Retired NYPD Detective/Sergeant

and jaw-dropping deals. Titled as ‘monumental’ by Ale

with 23 years of service Rick Hewitt possesses a BS in

Street News, their staff knows beer and is always on their

Psychology and has qualifications in Organized Crime

toes to assist you. BeerWorldStore.com • 914-799-0305

Control Bureau Supervisors Investigation, Elite Strategic Training (Supervisor Training), Dignitary Protection Training, Counter Terrorism Training, (FEMA) Active Shooter Training, & much more. Their team of armed/ unarmed guards are made up of Law enforcement officers & New York State licensed Security guards, dedicated to ensuring reliability & quality. BlueEagleSecurity.com • 845-642-8908

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INVESTOR One of the most dynamic

A locally and fam-

full-service architectural

ily-owned premier

and engineering firms in the

window and door

Metropolitan area. LAN has

distributor proudly serving the tri-state area since 2008.

been providing its clients with superior professional

They handle both residential and commercial projects.

services for more than fifty years. They employ over

You can either go to their “One Stop Shop Retail Division”

eighty architects, engineers, design professionals, field

which provides the consumer with both product and

observers, and administrative staff. LAN is responsible

installation setup, or you can go to their “New Construc-

for over $200 million worth of construction per year for

tion Division” where they get involved in the architectural

educational, hospitality, healthcare, federal, municipal,

plans of new home builds. NBWindow.com • 845-298-3667

industrial, ecclesiastical, and private clients. LanAssociates.com • 201-447-6400

With over 6,000 A full-service marketing

customers, Prestige

and public relations firm

Towing & Recovery Inc. has been in business since 1994.

based in the Tri-State

They have a proven track record, including a very large

area. Their staff, with

AAA contract which cover many areas in Ulster & Sullivan

more than 25 years of collective experience, is driven

County. Prestige currently has 6 locations in Sullivan

by creative vision, strategic planning, and personal

County, one of the newest being as little as 3 miles from

service that allow small- to medium-sized businesses to

the Ulster / Sullivan County line. Prestige offers over

succeed. Their services are expansive and inclusive to fit

35 heavy duty and light duty wreckers and flatbeds, as

any marketing needs. MediaSolstice.com • 845-202-9199

well as specialized equipment such as rotators, lowboys,

Founded in 1919, Holt Construction is celebrating 100 years in business with their 3rd generation of Holt family

and over 25 trailers that can haul any commodity on the highway. They also offer services for body repairs, in house mechanical repairs, fleet vehicle servicing and on road mechanical repairs for heavy duty trucks. 845-794-8522

leadership. Holt thrives on its reputation as a quality construction company that maintains its core

C.T. Male Associates Engineering,

values and “family” atmosphere while providing the best

Surveying, Architecture, Landscape

services to their clients. Holt brings to the market veteran

Architecture & Geology, D.P.C. is

expertise of the construction industry in combination

a multidisciplinary consulting

with entrepreneurial attributes allowing them to take

engineering firm with a wide range of services including

great pride in their unique projects and their continuing

architectural, engineering, surveying, environmental

relationships with clients. HoltCCcom • 845-735-4054

services. Our Poughkeepsie office specializes in clarifying and navigating the regulatory processes of the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program for our clients. C.T. Male Associates can assist by identifying and applying for funding such as USEPA Brownfield Grants and NYSDEC Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) grants. CTMale.com • 845-454-4400

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Partnership’s Olivo Graduates from Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress Fellows Program Vanessa Olivo, SCP

Banking, not-for-profit, municipalities, higher

Economic Specialist

education, state environmental agencies, healthcare,

was nominated by

and police departments were some of the many

Mary Beth Bianconi,

industries represented by those participating. The

Partner at Delaware

Fellows program consisted of group discussions,

Engineering to

guest speakers and two group projects; Achieving

participate in the

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Hudson Valley, and

2020-2021 Hudson

Community Police Relations.

Valley Pattern For Progress Fellows Program. Meeting every two weeks from November 2020 to June 2021 this year’s Fellows Program focused on Institutional Racism; its impacts, challenges, and history in the Hudson Valley.

In addition to class time, the two groups worked outside of scheduled class time to create reports and presentations on their respective projects which can be viewed here. After completing graduation, Olivo has become a Fellow and is now part of a network with 300 plus Fellows in the Hudson Valley. Congratulations Vanessa!

Did You Miss Advertising in this Issue or would Like to Submit Editorial Content? Board of Directors Randy Resnick Chair

Gary Silver

for publication in

Karen Fisher Vice Chair

Gerald Skoda

November. Contact us

Jonathan Schiller

to see how your

Kelsey Hornicek

business can be

Steven Vegliante

included!

Michael Zalkin Treasurer James Bates Secretary Carlito Holt Kevin McLaren Larry Wolinsky John Brust 30

Not to worry, our next issue is scheduled

Matt Dorcas Charlotte Van Horn George Kinne Gary Schmidt Fred Stabbert

Please contact Jen Cassaro, Director of Membership at cassaro.jen@scpartnership.com

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Perfect. Fit. Results-oriented and client-centric, we are a leading multi-practice law firm in the Catskills & Hudson Valley. • • • • •

845.794.3833

REAL ESTATE COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT LITIGATION ESTATE PLANNING BUSINESS LAW

www.BLSlaw.net

Serving the Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions

It comes down to People Integrity, Safety, Knowledge • Commercial Lending • Residential

ple Mortgage

• Recognized Cybersecurity www.CHBNY.com CHB117_20 bullets/MontCounty pic Ad clr 8x4.875" .indd 1 32 Sullivan Par tnership

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10/8/20 9:35 AM

Automation is a Productivity-Increasing Powerhouse by Cassara Wagner, Marketing Manager at FasTrax Solutions

The biggest goal in any workplace is to become as efficient as possible without dampening a positive office culture. Generally, with efficiency comes higher productivity and an increase in profits. The first step to increasing efficiency is to eliminate obstacles, but what most employers don’t realize is, introducing automation into a small part of their business can increase efficiency by up to 50%. One of the most common misconceptions of automation is that it leads to job losses, but this is not usually the case. The introduction of automation replaces a small piece of what an employee works on and allows them to focus on their main job responsibilities. Automation comes in many shapes and sizes, and has quite the impressive resume. In a nut shell, automation uses different types of technologies to reduce the amount of involvement humans have in processes. Fueled by the natural human desire to get more done in a shorter amount of time, automation has grown to be effective in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and limiting the possibility of human error. continued...

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Automation is a Productivity-Increasing Powerhouse system will not only make managing your inventory Automation can be used in pretty much every

more efficient, but will provide more accurate inventory

sector of your business, no matter what industry,

counts and prevent overselling and underselling. With

and how big or small your business is. By

the right automated inventory management system you

automating different aspects of your business,

can access real-time inventory counts from anywhere,

you can focus on what matters the most, building

create suggested orders based on customizable

strong customer relationships and making

parameters, and have a more accurate ordering and

business decisions. Here are some examples on

receiving process.

how automation can be used in your business:

Most small businesses don’t have an in-house

•

Innovation: to help with analyzing insights

marketing team because of the cost associated with

and generating suggestions

hiring employees, finding local talent, and software.

•

Logistics: to reduce time and the resources

required to complete a process

•

Marketing: to improve the flow of

and implementing automation tools. That’s a big

information from brand to consumer

difference! The possibilities of automation in marketing

•

Production: to increase the quality and

output in a supply chain and reduce time

•

Finance: to reduce costs and risks with

intelligent planning and forecasting

The average cost of a staffed marketing department is $250,000 per year. Let’s compare that number to $10,000-$60,000 per year for hiring an outside agency

are endless. Automation will close the technology gaps in your marketing strategy and will cost less than what you’re currently paying. Marketing automation can improve tedious processes, innovate your marketing campaigns, and boost your bottom line. Automation can even increase consumer engagement and brand loyalty because of reduced response time of online inquiries. By automating communication such as email marketing

Highly automated companies outperform peers, say employees Automated

and SMS (text marketing) you free up time to focus on nurturing strong leads.

Manual technology enabled

Annual revenue growth 15% or higher Profitability much higher than competitors Exceeded financial goals

32% 23% 16% 10% 33% 25%

Image credit: Servicenow

CUSTOMER

Think about your inventory or ordering department, the manual entry of data, analyzing data from several different locations, and the amount of human error

PAYMENT

possibilities. All of this human involvement in the inventory process hinders your businesses ability to scale and grow. Introducing an automated inventory 34

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Summer 2021

Automation is a Productivity-Increasing Powerhouse Sales personnel spend a significant chunk of their week

There’s a reason why tech-giants like Amazon, Tesla,

sending emails and reminders, entering data into a

and Microsoft are aiming towards implementing

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform,

more and more automation into their workplaces

researching leads, and drafting proposals and demos.

over the next few decades. While these companies

An automated CRM helps salespeople streamline these

have integrated several types of automation and have

tedious tasks allowing them to focus on actually selling.

invested millions of dollars into these programs, it’s

Have a leaky sales funnel? Automation gives you the

important to remember that automation is scalable.

ability to nurture prospects with highly-relevant and

Smaller businesses have been able to increase

useful information across several platforms until they

productivity, reduce human error, improve their bottom

are ready to buy without tying up salespeople. An

line, and even build and scale their business with a

automated sales process increases the productivity and

small team by using automation.

performance of sales reps, streamlines administrative sales tasks, reduces response time (increases customer satisfaction), and ensures that qualified leads don’t fall through the cracks. It can also allow for an efficient use of an otherwise scarce resource in small businesses,

Not sure how to get started with automation technology? Start by looking into your business processes and expenses. Take note of those that could use some help in boosting efficiency and productivity.

your sales team and budget.

with

Relax

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

g Automated Marketin

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Automation is the present and the future of the digital marketing industry, and that’s why we use the best tools and people to deliver desired results at amazingly affordable prices.

• Goal Setting & Strategy • Customer Segmentation • Platform Selection Setup & Website Integration • Lead Management • Tracking & Reporting • Focused Targeting

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Transportation Engineering Civil Engineering Surveying Construction Inspection

info@cmellp.com | www.cmellp.com

Offices in Albany and Westchester NY

Site/Civil Traffic & Transportation Services Public, Private & Municipal Projects of All Sizes Commercial and Residential 914-592-4040 • www.pderesults.com 36

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Riding the Digital r/Evolution by Matthew Dorcas, Capacity Marketing Technology - it’s all around us. The fact that you check

them back out again.

and answer emails, even if it’s just once a week, means

For others, it might

technology is part of your business. When we all had to

mean archiving

figure out how to jump on Zoom last year and find the

those techniques

mute button, we learned pretty quickly how technology

and accepting the

could play an even bigger role in our businesses.

digital transformation

This created an incredibly unique opportunity for marketers. It meant that some older techniques needed to be shelved and some new techniques needed to be folded into our business strategy. Have a conversation with the businesses who did well during the pandemic and the majority will tell you they did a digital pivot and rode the storm. Most of them found a way to survive with some hard work and digital ingenuity. Of course, there were some businesses that could not insulate themselves. The tourism industry got hit hard, but many eventually learned to adapt…though let’s take a moment of silence for the businesses that did not survive. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, they say. Here’s to looking ahead. Back to the unique opportunity. This forced businesses to try something they have been thinking about but were too afraid to take the leap. “Why fix something that isn’t broken, right”? The pandemic pushed them to make choices, tough choices! They discovered that digital not only works, but it’s precise and incredibly efficient. When digital is done systematically, it’s trackable and directly correlates to your return on investment (ROI). When it’s paired with print and direct mail marketing, it can be even stronger. When it’s coupled with a full-service strategy and plan that integrates the brand both offline and on, it’s magical!

of their business. It also depends

Matthew Dorcas President/CEO Capacity Marketing matt@capacitymarketinginc.com capacitymarketinginc.com

on your industry. Digital Advertising can get very expensive very quickly depending on what stage you’re competing on (*ahem* Google, we’re looking at you…). Other techniques might not even make sense for your business. Geotargeting in Sullivan County for example: There just aren’t enough impressions to deliver an ROI, so you need to think outside the box. Where is your target market, really? And where is the best place and time and location to reach them? And here is the one no one wants to hear: Digital transformations for some businesses might mean a complete overhaul. Scary! But what does that even mean? A digital strategy that is poised for success is a holistic approach. Think of it like a clock. If one gear is out of place you aren’t going to get an accurate time of day, or the clock might not work at all. Your website, social media, digital advertising, messaging, emails, branding and even offline efforts, need to all be in sync. If they’re not, we need to recalibrate and sometimes reconstruct. Each and every gear needs to represent your brand, your voice, and speak to the psychographic+demographic+geographic of your target audience (*whew* that’s a lot of -graphics!). How does your Archetype speak to your customer, and how does it evoke them to connect? That’s

Digital was a must for many during the pandemic, but

the good stuff; the stuff we love, that brands love, and

now life is getting back to a “new norm”. For our clients,

that most importantly, consumers love! When you have

we’ve already begun the important task of assessing

that figured out, anything is possible.

their tactics in light of the new shift. This may mean utilizing some of those shelved techniques and bringing Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

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Yes We Can Attract High Tech Development by John Cappello When most people think of the land use and zoning process in New York State, the picture that comes to mind is a stop sign, or at the very least a significant delay sign. However, there are some tools available in the New York land use and zoning laws that can be used by municipal governments to streamline the process to help attract the types of high-tech development discussed in this edition. The place to start in any municipality is to identify what areas of the municipality can best accommodate commercial growth. The next step is to review the existing comprehensive plan. Depending on when that plan was last reviewed you may only need to amend or add a supplement to the current plan to focus on that one particular area in which you want to encourage and believe you can accommodate growth. When you consider that comprehensive plan update or supplement you are required to comply with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). While this may seem daunting the good news is you can use this comprehensive plan supplement to serve or be accompanied by a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). Once the process is completed, no further SEQRA compliance is required for subsequent site-specific developments (i.e. high-tech projects) that are in conformance with the conditions and thresholds established in that GEIS. Through this process a community can proactively conduct tests and studies that can, for example: 1. Determine additional traffic that can be accommodated by existing road structure and/or with certain road improvements. 2. Analyze existing and potential improvements to increase capacity of sewer and water infrastructure. 3. Identify unique environmental features, i.e. wetlands, important wildlife habitat, etc. so as to avoid disturbing and/or identify mitigation to incorporate to minimize the impact of any such disturbance. 4. For high-tech development, analyze the broadband capacity and any necessary upgrades. 38

An important and under-used tool in John Cappello- Partner New York State are the Jacobowits & Gubits provisions in town, village and general His primary areas of practice municipal laws that have been land use and municipal law since 1988. authorize two or more municipalities to enter into inter-municipal agreements, form inter-municipal boards, and prepare a comprehensive plan and GEIS for a potential development corridor that may cross municipal borders. This allows municipalities to share the cost of preparation of the studies and even potentially any infrastructure improvements that facilitate and attract the type of growth desired. Additional potential sources for funding this planning process and/or identified infrastructure improvements, are local or county IDAs, and grants from New York State and/or federal sources. Finally, the New York State SEQRA regulations allow a municipality to charge a portion or all of the cost for preparation of GEIS to any developer coming in who will take advantage of the new comprehensive planning and GEIS. Upon completion of this process, any potential developer will know up front what is expected of them; what improvements will they need to make, if any; what are the parameters for such developments; what features should not be disturbed; and what mitigation measures to incorporate in the development to address important concerns of the community. By injecting some certainty into the process and being proactive, it is much more likely that the municipality will attract the type of development it desires and the developer will be rewarded by the substantial reduction in the time it takes to obtain its land use approvals. All of this takes a leap of faith by a municipality. However, by taking that leap and being proactive, Sullivan County communities can greatly increase opportunities to attract development that will provide decent jobs and a sustainable community for years to come.

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Development Opportunities, Land, Farms, Waterfronts & Homes We Have EVERYTHING You’re Looking For! Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

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Members on the Map

2 Castleton

OHIO

8 5

Jeffersonville

9 15

10 4 6 Monticello

12 Wurtsboro

Middletown

3 14 Newburgh

Goshen New Windsor

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development In the Know

Summer 2021

Ever wonder where our members are located? From Pennsylvania to Albany, they’re not just from Sullivan County! Each issue, we’ll be calling out members from all over the map. 1 A.Servidone Inc./ B. Anthony Construction Heavy Civil Contractor asibacc.com 518-732-7773 1364 Route 9 Castleton, NY 12033

6 Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills Hospital & Health Care crmcny.org 845-794-3300 68 Harris-Bushville Road Monticello, NY 12701

11 McGoey, Hauser & Edsall Consulting Engineers, P.C. Engineering www.mhepc.com 845-567-3100 33 Airport Center Drive, Suite 202, New Windsor, NY 12553

2 Bohler Engineering MA, LLC Engineering, Land Surveying & Mapping bohlerengineering.com 518-438-9900 17 Computer Drive W Albany, NY 12205

7 Geis Construction Design Build Construction geiscompanies.com 216-218-3508 10020 Aurora Hudson Road Streetsboro, OH 44241

12 MDL Excavating & Landscaping LLC Excavating & Landscaping mdlexcavating.com 845-741-5713 1000 Wurtsboro Mountain Road Wurtsboro, NY 12790

3 CCA-FERCA-SMACNA Commercial Contractor’s Association ccahv.com 845-562-4280 330 Meadow Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550 4 Cooper Arias LLP Accounting cooperarias.com 845-796-1800 892 NY-17B Monticello, NY 12701 5 Delaware Valley Job Corps./ Adams and Associates Inc. Job Corps Training delawarevalley.jobcorps.gov 845-887-5400 9368 NY-97 Callicoon, NY 12723

8 Granite Associates Private Investment Company 845-295-2780 PO Box 311 Liberty, NY 12754

13 Paychex Payroll & HR Services paychex.com 845-490-5525 440 New Vernon Road, Middletown, NY 10940

9 Jeff Bank Bank/Financial Institutions jeffbank.com 845-482-4000 4864 NY-52 Jeffersonville, NY 12748 10 Law Office of M.L. Zager, P.C. Law Firm mzager.com 845-794-3660 461 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

14 Perreca Electric Co., Inc. EleCtrical Contractor perreca.com 845-562-4080 520 Broadway Newburgh, NY 12550 15 Ulster Savings Bank Financial Services ulstersavings.com 845-294-7922 3 Coates Drive, Suite 6 Goshen, NY 10924

845.794.1110

SCPar tnership.com

Jeff Bank... Helping local businesses for over 100 years!

Because of Jeff Bank’s long history as a community bank, we have an understanding of the local economy unmatched by newer or larger banks. With the help of our seasoned commercial bankers, such as Heinrich Strauch, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, your business will receive the reliable and personalized financial services you need. To start receiving the financial support your business deserves, call (845) 482-4000 and make an appointment with one of our banking professionals today.

Your place or ours. Franklin Trapp, Producer of The Forestburgh Playhouse in Forestburgh, NY, has been an active member of the local arts community by helping local artists develop their talents and providing quality entertainment to residents and area visitors.

Still Banking Strong! (845) 482-4000 • www.jeff.bank

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development In the Know

Summer 2021

Civil / Site Planning Environmental Compliance and Remediation

Proud to serve as a Sullivan County Partnership Gold Sponsor

Environmental Permitting and Ecological Services Geotechnical Engineering Structural Engineering Surveying, Mapping and Construction Stakeout 3D Lidar Scanning

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 70 Pleasant Hill Road Mountainville, nY (800) 829-6531 www.tectonicengineering.com Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

Special Inspections and Materials Testing |

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SCPar tnership.com

Board Member Spotlight Hometown: Methuen, MA Education: Centenary College, BA Communications, Hackettstown, NJ

Karen Fisher

President FisherMears Marketing Communications

Fun Fact: I’m on a mission to visit every major league ballpark. Eight down, 22 to go!

How long have you lived

our Sullivan Catskills has become the

in Sullivan County?

place that I used to leave here for.

I moved to Sullivan County 40 years ago in 1981 from Hackettstown, NJ when my husband— then a college professor at Centenary College— took a position as Professor and Media Center Director at SUNY Sullivan two weeks before the start of the semester. I was fresh out of college, with a Communications degree, no job prospects, and living in a garden apartment in Liberty watching soap operas every day. Thankfully in 1982 we met Mike Egan, the director of programming for Alan Gerry’s Cablevision Industries. I was hired as a copywriter for the company and worked in the marketing department for 15 years until the company was sold. And with that came the opportunity to start FisherMears Marketing Communications. I was really unhappy at first living in Sullivan County. I grew up a suburban Boston girl and there was just no life happening here. Michael and I would leave almost every weekend to find things to do. We would weekend in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts. But I love living here now, because

Hobby: Travel, Tennis

How long have you been on the board? I was a board appointee by board chair Jonathan Drapkin, in 2000. I think that except for Jerry Skoda and Gary Schmidt, I may be the longest standing board member. So, what made you say yes? I have to admit I was hesitant because I had always wanted to do some work for the Partnership and I thought, “Well, if I’m sitting on the board then I can’t do work for them,” but I learned that that wasn’t the case at all, and in fact this organization supports its members and that’s why you need to be here. It’s all about connections. Doing more business with people in Sullivan County and the region really was my primary motivation to join, but it’s not always about the money or the job. The older, and dare I say wiser I get, it becomes more

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development In the Know

Summer 2021

important to me and feels better to

it’s in our DNA. But what if tourism

technology has sped up the process

connect people and that benefits us

all fell apart tomorrow? Luckily it

in every aspect. We can put a

all when we all support one another

hasn’t. Tourism like many industries

job to bed from start to finish in

and support new, incoming projects.

has had its ups and downs, but

sometimes as little as ten days

As a board member, it’s part of

it always comes back. Still, we

where, previously it could take

my responsibility to support new

realize that having all your eggs

months. The Internet has been

economic development projects;

in one basket isn’t always the

amazing. We used to have to

for example by attending public

best approach. Attracting more

send proofs out by FedEx or UPS

hearings to counter the “Not in my

light manufacturing, e-commerce

and would have to build time

backyard” mentality. It comes from

companies and the like comes with

into our production calendars to

a belief or philosophy that’s part

the challenge of convincing them

accommodate that. Now it’s almost

altruistic and part pro-economy.

that Sullivan County is not as far

instantaneous. The disadvantage

away as they think. That’s the next

of that is that I think it does take

big marketing hurdle we’ll look to

away from personal connections,

tackle.

but ultimately technology has

What is the biggest accomplishment since you’ve been on the board? I think the role that the Partnership

increased productivity and also

played in helping get some of our

If you were to sit down with a new

recent big projects off the ground

member of the board, what advice

was hugely important— Resorts

would you give them?

World Catskills, Kartrite Resort

Get to know people, make

Beyond efficiency which allows

and Indoor Water Park, Yo1. Even if

connections, learn from one

us to take on more work, being

you’re not necessarily the attractor,

another. It’s one of the best ways

connected with all our Mac

you can still play a role in economic

to do business. It’s one of the best

devices— desktop, iPads, iPhones —

development connecting new

ways to get work and to connect to

allows us to work wherever we are.

companies to the local business

other people.

It increases productivity of course,

community, who they need to see and what they need to do to get necessary approvals. We didn’t go out and attract these companies, they did their due diligence, but our

gives us more time and availability to take on more clients.

but doesn’t tie us to a desk, giving

How about a new member of the

us more freedom. Instead of WFH

partnership in general-how would

(work from home) it’s becoming

you tell him/her to make the best

WFA (work from anywhere).

use of their membership? Ask questions. Ask how you can

Finish this statement:

help, how you can get involved.

“I love living and working

Attend our events. Suggest to other

in Sullivan County because…….

ready to lend a hand.

friends or business associates for

Because it feels like home. It’s a

them to join the partnership as

fun place to be. I can still make

What are the challenges?

well. It goes back to the old saying

business connections and it doesn’t

that many hands make light work.

matter where I work or where I live,

role in shepherding those projects is equally as important. We’re always there ready to help, always

One of our biggest challenges is diversifying our Sullivan Catskills economy. Yes we’re tourism-based,

What ways do you use technology to your advantage?

I can do business with anybody because of technology. Technology has allowed me to work where I

Technology has made us more

love to live.

efficient than we ever used to be. In my business of marketing communications and advertising,

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

845.794.1110

SCPar tnership.com

Upcoming Events 27th Annual Partnership Meeting October 7th, 2021 Location - TBD Construction Cluster Meeting Coming in November

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development In the Know

Summer 2021

RJ Smith NYS Licensed RE Broker rj@randcommercial.com

TEAM RJ SMITH COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE SITE SELECTION Serving Sullivan County

John Lavelle NYS Licensed RE Broker john.lavelle@randcommercial.com

Rand Commercial 55 Main Street PO Box 668 Pine Bush, New York 12566 845-744-2095 office info@randcommercial.com randcommercial.com

Sullivan County Par tnership for Economic Development

845.794.1110

SCPar tnership.com